Recommended English Courses for Kids: How They Work and Which to Choose

English is one of the most essential languages for children to learn early in life. Not only does it open doors to better academic opportunities, but it also serves as the primary language of communication in many parts of the world. With the advancement of technology, there are now numerous online platforms offering engaging English courses for children. These courses cater to various learning styles, schedules, and budgets. In this post, we explore some of the top English courses for kids, detailing how each works and why they might be a good fit for your child.

1. 51Talk – Structured, Exam-Aligned English Learning for Kids Aged 3-15

How It Works:

51Talk is an established online English education platform, founded in 2011 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2016. With a mission to “help everyone gain the ability to talk to the world,” 51Talk offers personalized, 1-on-1 online English lessons for children aged 3–15. The platform serves over 40 million users across more than 50 countries, supported by a team of over 20,000 highly trained teachers from North America, the Philippines, and other regions.

Unlike app-based platforms like Lingokids, 51Talk provides live, real-time lessons with professional teachers, offering an interactive and engaging learning experience. Its curriculum is designed to help children systematically develop their English skills, with a focus on long-term language improvement. The curriculum is aligned with international exams like KET, PET, IELTS, and TOEFL.

Product Details:

• Age Group: 3-15 years old
• Lesson Structure: 1-on-1 live lessons, customized curriculum
• Cost: Pricing varies, but generally affordable for long-term commitments
• Trial Period: Free trial available

Why It’s Worth Considering:

51Talk’s “Classic English” series, developed over more than a decade, offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with CEFR and CCSS standards. It covers essential language skills like phonics, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing. This approach ensures that children systematically build their English proficiency, preparing them for academic exams and future educational opportunities.

The personalized teacher matching system uses AI to analyze each child’s learning level and goals, recommending teachers who best match their needs. With flexible scheduling and the ability to cancel classes up to one hour in advance, 51Talk is convenient for families with busy schedules. Its affordability, combined with its structured curriculum, makes it a strong option for families looking for long-term language development.

2. Khan Academy Kids – Free Learning App with Interactive Features

How It Works:

Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app designed for children aged 2 to 7. The app offers a wide range of interactive English lessons, with a strong focus on language development through stories, songs, and activities. Khan Academy Kids offers all its content at no cost, making it an excellent choice for families with budget considerations.

The English language section of the app covers topics like phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and basic writing skills. The app uses fun animations and characters to keep kids engaged while ensuring they learn essential skills. Each lesson builds upon the last, helping kids progressively develop their English abilities.

Product Details:

• Age Group: 2-7 years old
• Lesson Structure: Short, interactive lessons with gamified features
• Cost: Free
• Trial Period: N/A (since it’s free)

Why It’s Worth Considering:

Khan Academy Kids provides a high-quality, no-cost English learning experience. The app’s content is developed by experts in child development and education, ensuring that children engage in effective and enjoyable learning. Additionally, the app adapts to the child’s progress, offering a personalized learning experience.

3. VIPKid – Live,Interactive English Classes with Native Speakers

How It Works:

VIPKid offers live, 1-on-1 online English lessons with native English-speaking teachers. The lessons are designed for children aged 4-12 and are based on a customized curriculum that adapts to each child’s learning style and level. VIPKid offers flexible scheduling, allowing families to choose convenient times for lessons.

The lessons are interactive, focusing on speaking and listening skills. Teachers use visuals, flashcards, and real-world examples to engage students. VIPKid also tracks student progress through regular assessments, so parents can stay updated on their child’s language development.

Product Details:

• Age Group: 4-12 years old
• Lesson Structure: 1-on-1 live lessons, customized curriculum
• Cost: Starts at $14-22 per class
• Trial Period: Free trial lesson available

Why It’s Worth Considering:

VIPKid offers a structured and personalized learning experience with native English speakers. The 1-on-1 format ensures that children receive individual attention, making it an ideal choice for those who need more focused guidance. The platform also provides valuable opportunities for children to practice speaking with native speakers, improving fluency.

4. English for Kids by Lingokids – Learn English Through Play

How It Works:

Lingokids is an English learning app designed for children aged 2-8. It uses a play-based learning approach, where children learn English through songs, stories, and fun activities. The app covers a wide range of topics, from basic vocabulary and phrases to more advanced language skills like sentence construction.

Lingokids offers a personalized learning path, allowing children to progress at their own pace. Each lesson is interactive and includes games and quizzes that reinforce the material. The app also features a reward system, where children earn points and virtual rewards for completing lessons.

Product Details:

• Age Group: 2-8 years old
• Lesson Structure: Interactive games, songs, and stories
• Cost: Monthly subscription (approx. $14.99/month)
• Trial Period: 7-day free trial

Why It’s Worth Considering:

Lingokids offers an engaging and fun approach to learning English, ideal for younger children. The app keeps kids entertained while helping them develop language skills, making it perfect for those with shorter attention spans. The personalized learning path ensures that children progress at their own pace.

5. Outschool – Group Classes for Kids of All Ages

How It Works:

Outschool offers live, small-group classes in various subjects, including English. These classes are conducted via Zoom and are taught by experienced instructors. The classes cater to children of all ages and skill levels, so you can find something appropriate for your child’s needs.

Outschool’s English courses cover a wide range of topics, including reading, writing, and creative writing. The classes are highly interactive, with students participating in discussions, activities, and projects. Since the courses are live, children have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with their peers, which helps to develop both their language skills and social abilities.

Product Details:

• Age Group: Varies (3-18 years old)
• Lesson Structure: Live, small-group lessons via Zoom
• Cost: Prices vary by course (generally $10-30 per class)
• Trial Period: N/A

Why It’s Worth Considering:

Outschool is ideal for parents who want their children to learn English in a social, collaborative environment. The small class sizes ensure that every child gets the attention they need, and the live format allows for direct interaction with the instructor and other students.

Quick Comparison Table:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which platform is best for younger children? For younger learners, VIPKid and 51Talk are ideal as they offer structured, age-appropriate curricula that are engaging and effective for children aged 3-15. Both platforms emphasize interactive lessons with native speakers, ensuring that young students are learning in an engaging, fun environment.
2. How do I know if I am choosing the right teacher for my goals? On platforms like Italki and Preply, you can review teachers’ profiles, their specializations, and feedback from other students. It’s helpful to consider your primary learning goals—whether conversational English, exam preparation, or business English—and select a teacher with the appropriate experience and teaching style.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Online One-on-One English Course

When selecting an online English course, it’s important to consider your personal goals, schedule, and budget. Whether you’re learning English for business, travel, exam preparation, or simply to improve your fluency, the right course can make all the difference in your learning experience. From platforms like 51Talk and Preply, offering flexible scheduling and a wide variety of tutors, to VIPKid and Cambly, offering interactive and convenient options for young learners and busy professionals, there’s a course to suit every learner.

Take the time to assess your own learning style, availability, and goals, and choose a course that aligns with your needs. With the right resources, you’ll be well on your way to improving your English skills in no time!